Key Terms and Considerations for Amazon Online Sellers

 

1. Seller Account

• Registration: Sellers must register and maintain an active seller account on Amazon's platform.
• Account Health: Compliance with Amazon's policies, including maintaining a good account health status.
• Fees: Understanding and agreeing to Amazon's fee structure, including referral fees, fulfillment fees (if using FBA), and other applicable charges.

2. Product Listings and Descriptions

• Accuracy: Providing accurate and truthful information about products, including images, descriptions, and specifications.
• Prohibited Content: Adhering to Amazon's guidelines on restricted products, ensuring listings do not include prohibited items or content.

3. Order Management

• Fulfillment: Ensuring timely order fulfillment and shipment as per Amazon's service level agreements (SLAs).
• Cancellation and Refunds: Handling order cancellations and processing refunds promptly, following Amazon's policies.

4. Customer Communication

• Messaging: Using Amazon's messaging system for customer communications, adhering to guidelines on communication frequency and content.
• Feedback and Reviews: Managing customer feedback and reviews in accordance with Amazon's policies, including guidelines on soliciting and responding to reviews.

5. Performance Metrics

• Metrics Monitoring: Monitoring seller performance metrics, including order defect rate (ODR), late shipment rate, and pre-fulfillment cancel rate.
• Performance Notifications: Responding to performance notifications and taking corrective actions to maintain performance standards.

6. Intellectual Property and Branding

• Trademark and Copyright: Respecting intellectual property rights, including trademarks and copyrights, and avoiding infringement.
• Brand Registry: Enrolling in Amazon Brand Registry to protect registered trademarks and gain additional control over product listings.

7. Pricing and Promotions

• Pricing Policies: Adhering to Amazon's policies on pricing, including guidelines on fair pricing practices and avoiding price gouging.
• Promotions and Deals: Understanding and utilizing Amazon's promotional tools, such as Lightning Deals and coupons, to attract customers.

8. Compliance and Legal Obligations

• Regulatory Compliance: Complying with local, national, and international laws and regulations, including product safety standards and labeling requirements.
• Taxes: Understanding tax obligations, including sales tax collection and remittance, and complying with Amazon's tax policies.

9. Performance Improvement and Suspension

• Performance Improvement Plans (PIPs): Following PIPs if performance metrics fall below Amazon's standards, aiming to improve performance.
• Suspension and Appeal: Understanding grounds for account suspension, the appeal process, and steps to reinstate a suspended account.

10. Data Protection and Privacy

• Customer Data: Safeguarding customer information and complying with data protection laws, including Amazon's privacy policies and guidelines.

11. Customer Service Standards

• Responsiveness: Maintaining high standards of customer service, including timely responses to customer inquiries and issues.
• Customer Satisfaction: Prioritizing customer satisfaction and resolving disputes in accordance with Amazon's policies.

12. Continual Learning and Updates

• Policy Changes: Staying informed about updates to Amazon's seller policies and guidelines, and adapting business practices accordingly.
• Seller Support: Utilizing Amazon's seller support resources and forums to seek assistance and stay updated on best practices.

13. Seller Performance Metrics

• Order Defect Rate (ODR): Monitoring and maintaining a low ODR to ensure customer satisfaction.
• Late Shipment Rate: Ensuring timely shipment of orders to maintain performance metrics.
• Pre-fulfillment Cancel Rate: Minimizing cancellations before shipment to meet Amazon's standards.

14. Customer Feedback and Reviews

• Product Reviews: Encouraging positive product reviews through exceptional customer service and high-quality products.
• Feedback Management: Responding to customer feedback promptly and professionally to enhance seller reputation.